This Classic Cheese Ball comes straight from my mom’s recipe box and is the one we make each year for the holidays! A blend of Kaukauna sharp cheddar cheese spread, cream cheese, and spices rolled in crunchy pecans create the most delicious cheese ball EVER.

This easy, cheesy appetizer comes together quickly and simply, and it can be made in advance. Plus, it travels well so it’s the perfect contribution to Thanksgiving and Christmas potlucks!

My Mom’s Classic Cheese Ball Recipe Is My Absolute Favorite!

My Mom’s pecan cheddar cheese ball recipe has been present at every single holiday I can remember. It’s one of my favorite parts of Thanksgiving!

While dinner cooks, we would be snacking on this cheese ball and crackers and enjoying sparking cider (or wine as I got older). Growing up in the Midwest, this old-fashioned cheese ball recipe has been passed down through my mom’s family for decades!

Sharp cheddar cheese spread combined with cream cheese, dijon, chives, bell pepper, and shallot and rolled in crunchy pecans is absolute heaven! The combination of flavors is SO good and it gets better the longer it sits.

This cheese ball is so perfect for your holiday table and I hope you love it as much as we do.

The Ingredients You’ll Need

• Cheddar cheese spread. I use Kaukauna because that’s how my mom makes it! You could use other brands like Merkt’s, Shullsberg creamery, or Pine River. Do not use Kraft spreadable cheese for this, it does not set up well enough. Another option is the horseradish or classic pub cheese spread from Trader Joe’s, which I LOVE.
• Cream cheese. Use full-fat brick cream cheese for this recipe. Avoid anything labeled as “light” or “spreadable,” which will not set up well enough.
• Shallot. I love the subtle onion flavor that shallot adds, but you could also use really finely minced white or yellow onion.
• Green bell pepper. The green bell pepper adds a nice savory flavor, but you could swap in a different color.
• Worcestershire. A couple of dashes of Worcestershire sauce make all the difference.
• Dijon mustard. The dijon adds a nice savory and acidic note to balance out the cheese.
• Chives. I love the color and flavor that fresh chives add.
• Pecans. Toasted, unsalted chopped pecans work best.

How to Make a Holiday Cheese Ball, Just Like My Mom

1. Mix everything together. A rubber spatula and some upper body strength are all you need to quickly combine the cheese ball mixture.
2. Shape into a ball, then chill. In my experience, the easiest way to shape a cheese ball is to pile the cheese mixture into the center of a large piece of plastic wrap and then wrap it up and around to create a big ball.

Jenny’s Tip: Cheese balls must be chilled for at least 4 hours to set up fully, but overnight is better.

3. Roll in pecans. Scatter the chopped pecans on a plate for easy rolling. Let the cheese ball sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.

What to Serve with a Cheese Ball

I like serving my cheese ball with buttery crackers like Ritz or club crackers, but you can use any cracker. I also love crackers like wheat thins and triscuits.

Vegetables like celery sticks, carrots, bell pepper, or thick radish slices would work well too. The spread is also good smeared on a crusty baguette or crostini!

Make Ahead and Storage Instructions

The beauty of this pecan cheddar cheese ball recipe is that it’s easy to prep in advance making it one less thing you have to do when you’re hosting. In fact, the flavors only get better the longer they sit!

• Before adding the pecans: The cheese ball mixture can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in plastic wrap or in an airtight container. Just roll in the chopped pecans before serving.
• After rolling in pecans: Store it in the fridge in an airtight container for another day or two. The pecans may not be as crispy, but it’ll still be very flavorful.

More Easy Holiday Appetizers to Try

Need more turkey day inspiration? Check out my Thanksgiving recipe collection.

• Tuna Tartare
• Roasted Shrimp Cocktail
• Cranberry Baked Brie
• Ricotta Meatballs
• Smoked Salmon Spread
• Caramelized Onion Dip